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Exercise guide

Seated Overhead Stretch

How to do the Seated Overhead Stretch with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

IsolationBeginnerStatic
Primary muscles

Abs

Secondary

,

Equipment

Bodyweight

Step by step

How to do the Seated Overhead Stretch

  1. 1

    Sit up straight on an exercise mat.

  2. 2

    Touch the soles of your feet together with your feet six to eight inches in front of your hips.

  3. 3

    Place one hand on the floor beside you and your other hand behind your head.

  4. 4

    Lift your elbow to the ceiling as you incline your torso to the other side. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Seated Overhead Stretch set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Train with a goal

Where the Seated Overhead Stretch fits

The Seated Overhead Stretch shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:

Related

More abs exercises

FAQ

Seated Overhead Stretch: common questions

What muscles does the Seated Overhead Stretch work?

The Seated Overhead Stretch primarily works the Abs.

Is the Seated Overhead Stretch suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Seated Overhead Stretch is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Seated Overhead Stretch?

None. The Seated Overhead Stretch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.

Is the Seated Overhead Stretch a compound or isolation exercise?

The Seated Overhead Stretch is an isolation exercise, it targets the abs through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.

How do I do the Seated Overhead Stretch with correct form?

Sit up straight on an exercise mat. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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